Shame's Double-Edged Sword: Understanding Its Role in Addiction and Recovery
Shame is very centrally a social emotion. It's funny that you would say that. Shame serves great value from an evolutionary perspective as long as we don't get stuck in it, and we so oftentimes do get stuck in it enough so that in the context of our podcast series here, we've been using the term shame in a very specific way, talking about it as being toxic, and so we'll talk more about that in just a few minutes.
Have you ever wondered why shame feels like a heavy burden that never quite leaves you alone? In this episode of 'Ask An Addiction Specialist', the host takes a closer look at the complicated emotion of shame and its significant impact on addiction and recovery. Shame is more than just a feeling; it can act as a powerful trigger for addictive behaviors and relapse, making it a formidable obstacle in the journey to sobriety.
The episode breaks down the dual nature of shame—how it threatens social acceptance and damages self-esteem, and how these two aspects are deeply intertwined. You'll get a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary roots of shame, understanding both its survival value and its toxic effects. But it's not all doom and gloom; the podcast also offers practical exercises and a home study course designed to help you confront and overcome shame.
Whether you're battling addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights and tools to sustain recovery and improve well-being. Don't miss out on this chance to learn how to turn the tide against shame and reclaim your life.